NFC East Draft Round-Up

The Eagles, Cowboys, and Giants all took an offensive lineman in the first round. The Redskins did not have a first round pick.

The Eagles, Cowboys, and Redskins all took tight ends with their second selection.

Cowboys

The Cowboys will take a lot of heat for taking C Travis Frederick in the first round, but he’s a really good player who will start at either center or guard immediately.

The Cowboys made some head-scratching picks, but don’t overlook S J.J. Wilcox as a potential immediate starter.

Best pick: OLB DeVonte Holloman – A very athletic and active weakside linebacker who can make a lot of plays in Dallas’ new 4-3 scheme. Fits in a cover 2 system.

Worst pick: TE Gavin Escobar – Dallas had much bigger needs than a second tight end, and Escobar isn’t an explosive athlete and offers little as a blocker. He won’t be more than the fifth option in the passing game.

Giants

The Giants got younger and deeper along the defensive line with the additions of DT Johnathan Hankins and DE Damontre Moore. Hankins could be a solid starter in the near future while Moore is more of a rotational player at this point. Both were excellent value picks on day two.

First round pick Justin Pugh should be a solid starter, but he doesn’t have the athleticism or power to blossom into an elite player. He’s a safe pick, but he has lower upside than most other first round picks.

Best pick: Johnathan Hankins – Big Blue needed to rebuild their defensive line to recapture their past success, and Hankins is a space eater with natural athleticism who will help free up Jason Pierre-Paul and Justin Tuck.

Worst pick: Justin Pugh – Pugh will be solid in pass protection, but he won’t help the Giants establish the running game. A lineman who won’t play left tackle or make an impact as a run blocker isn’t worth a first round pick.

Redskins

The Redskins are probably looking to generate more turnovers. They drafted three defensive backs, and all are known as ballhawks with holes in other parts of their games. CB David Amerson gets torched by double moves, S Phillip Thomas can’t tackle, and S Bacarri Rambo lacks aggressiveness.

The Redskins took a pair of running backs in Chris Thompson and Jawan Jamison. Considering that Mike Shanahan has found a feature back in Alfred Morris, the moves are puzzling. They got great value, though. Thompson is one of the most elusive open field runners in this class and Jamison is a short, thick back with quick feet.

Best pick: Bacarri Rambo – In the sixth round, Rambo was an excellent value pick. He plays under control and flashes very good ball skills, even though he’s somewhat limited athletically and will miss tackles.

Worst pick: David Amerson – The guys at NFL Network did their best to butter up every prospect on draft day, but even they described Amerson’s 2012 game tape as “horrific.” The guy can’t cover. He has great ball skills, but has to be far more disciplined before he can challenge for playing time.